Acura has never focused on being the flashiest or fastest automaker. Instead, their aim is to provide luxury vehicles that offer a great value. They are continuing this mission with the launch of the ADX, the most affordable subcompact luxury SUV currently on the market.
The ADX is designed to make luxury vehicles accessible to a wider audience. Its competitive price point makes it an attractive option for those looking to enter the luxury segment. While the ADX has some drawbacks, it presents a compelling choice and demonstrates Acura’s dedication to offering exceptional value.
This article explores the comfort, performance, and value of Acura’s newest model, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, and why it stands out in a competitive segment. The information in this article is sourced from Acura’s website as well as other trustworthy sources, including TopSpeed and MotorTrend.
Acura’s Place in the Luxury Market
Acura, the luxury division of Honda, has a long history of producing upscale versions of the Japanese brand’s vehicles. The ADX puts Acura in direct competition with existing luxury subcompact SUVs. While it may not represent the absolute pinnacle of the brand’s offerings, the ADX excels in offering exceptional value for money.
Trims and Pricing
- Base: $35,000
- A-Spec: $38,000
- A-Spec Advance: $42,000
The price point is a key aspect. For a luxury subcompact SUV to be considered affordable, it typically falls around the $40,000 mark. Some exceptions exist, such as the Lexus UX, which starts at $37,715, and the Mini Countryman, which starts at $38,900. The Acura ADX adds an even lower entry point for drivers looking for a luxury vehicle and undercuts its main competitors by thousands.
Despite not being as plush or well-equipped as some of its rivals, the Acura ADX offers considerable value for its price. The most accurate way to view this crossover is as a more luxurious version of Honda’s HR-V. For those seeking a significant upgrade from mainstream options without breaking the bank, the ADX presents a strong value proposition.
Best Value for Money
Acura Rear 3/4 action shot of a 2025 Acura ADX
There are three different trim levels available for the Acura ADX. Sadly, a high-performance Type S model is not available, although it might be something to look forward to in the future. The top-of-the-line A-Spec Advance model is slightly too expensive to recommend, and the base model doesn’t offer all the desirable features. This leaves the A-Spec as the best option.
The A-Spec trim represents a $3,000 increase from the base model, but it adds a host of premium features. These include faux suede upholstery, ventilated front seats, USB-C ports for rear passengers, and a panoramic sunroof. This allows the ADX to be a luxury vehicle while maintaining an affordable price tag.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Acura
While it’s clear that Acura has aimed to keep the price down in certain areas, the ADX’s interior truly shines. It offers plenty of interior space compared to its competitors, despite its compact dimensions, and comes loaded with desirable features. It offers a clear step up from mainstream subcompact SUVs, delivering an upscale experience.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
Even though the Acura is small, it offers a surprising amount of space, comparable to other options in its class. It offers enough room for four adults to ride comfortably. If you are familiar with the Honda HR-V, you will find that the ADX offers a similar level of interior space. The Acura comes standard with features designed to make the space even more comfortable. Standard features include dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, and soft-touch materials. Heated and ventilated seats, as well as leather upholstery, are available on upper trims.
Infotainment and Technology
The ADX includes a nine-inch infotainment screen on every model, as well as a 10.2-inch digital gauge display. The infotainment system features built-in Google functionality as well as Amazon’s Alexa. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also included. An eight-speaker premium sound system is standard, but a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen setup is an optional upgrade.
Performance Capabilities
Acura Rear 3/4 action shot of a 2025 Acura ADX
One of the potential downsides of the Acura ADX lies in its performance. While many of its rivals offer a thrilling experience alongside a plush cabin, you can’t expect a budget-friendly model to tick every box. However, the ADX can still win customers over if outright performance isn’t a priority.
Performance Specifications
- Engine: 1.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four
- Transmission: CVT
- Horsepower: 190 HP
- Torque: 179 LB-FT
- Driveline: FWD or AWD
- Top Speed: 125 MPH
The ADX uses the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the base Acura Integra, but with a slightly different tune that delivers 10 fewer horses. While the Integra accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour in as little as 7.1 seconds, the ADX is expected to be a little slower. MotorTrend achieved a time of 7.8 seconds in their testing. This means the ADX is not especially slow, but it’s not particularly quick, either.
The ADX comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is an available option on all models for an additional $2,000. Acura says the all-wheel-drive system can send up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels, which will be beneficial in poor weather conditions. The ADX has a well-tuned chassis and steering is exceptionally responsive. If Acura decides to introduce a more powerful Type S model, the subcompact might be able to compete with the top players in the segment. The ADX also comes standard with four drive modes (Snow, Comfort, Normal, and Sport), with a fifth personalized drive mode available on A-Spec Advance models.
Value for Money
Interior shot of the dashboard in a 2026 Honda 0 Saloon
The ADX may not set new standards for comfort or performance, but it still holds a special place. It is the most affordable luxury subcompact SUV, but it doesn’t feel like a budget vehicle. Although it may not be the most luxurious or the most powerful, it offers incredible value.
Warranties and Maintenance
One way a brand can increase the value of their vehicles is through aftermarket support. Warranties and complimentary maintenance plans can provide buyers with peace of mind and incentives to save money. Acura offers one of the best warranty plans on the market today, as well as a generous maintenance plan.
- Limited Warranty: Four Years or 50,000 Miles
- Powertrain Warranty: Six Years or 70,000 Miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: Two Years or 24,000 Miles
Value is undoubtedly a key factor in today’s market. It’s difficult to find a truly bad vehicle, particularly in the luxury segment, where most options offer plush cabins filled with modern technology. The hyper-competitive environment has resulted in subpar vehicles getting weeded out. In this context, the ADX is primed to become a successful model. It lowers the entry point to the luxury SUV segment by thousands of dollars, thus making it more accessible than ever. At the same time, it still manages to deliver on the key areas that define a luxury vehicle. This is what makes it such a special option.
